A total 9,135 students received a form of instruction in performing arts during the academic year 2012-2013, the National Statistics Office said.

It said that a survey was carried out among 188 schools and tutors teaching performing arts.

Survey results indicated that 150 respondents (schools and private tutors) offered tuition to 50 students or less, while the remaining 38 had the possibility of accommodating more than 50 pupils. Some institutions were specialised in one discipline, while others offered a more holistic approach through a combination of the three main forms of performing arts: drama, dance and music.

For the purpose of this release institutions were grouped according to the main type of art taught. The majority of musical institutions were relatively small, with 116 units (out of 120) enrolling not more than 50 students during academic year 2012-2013.

A total of 9,135 students were enrolled, with dancers covering 50.1 per cent, followed by 25.2 and 24.7 per cent in music and drama respectively. In addition, 6,956 were female students, accounting for 76.1 per cent of the total.

The overall majority of students were under 17 years of age.

Although performing art classes were generally considered as an extra-curricular activity, 5,415 students sat for examinations.

During the scholastic year, 377 performances were organised by the various institutions.

The average number of students per performance varied according to the type of art taught, with drama accounting for 47 students per performance, compared to 13 students in music.

A total 11,009 individuals participated in student performances, indicating that some pupils took part in more than one event.

Full-time employees accounted for 17.4 per cent of the total, compared to 63.9 per cent for part-time employment.

In addition, voluntary workers stood at 18.7 per cent.